Wottreng joins Smokies radio team

(January 16, 2012) STAA client Michael Wottreng is bound for the volunteer state and a season in affiliated baseball. Wottreng has accepted a Broadcast and Media Relations Assistant position with the Tennessee Smokies.

The Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

“The Smokies will have a total of six people working in the broadcast department this season (3 paid, 3 interns). While so many teams are downsizing, Tennessee gives me an opportunity to build my play-by-play experience while giving me the resources to improve my writing and video skills,” Wottreng says.

Wottreng learned of the Smokies opening from an STAA email.
“As an STAA premier member, the opportunity to have job postings emailed to me is a great perk and allowed me to learn of the Smokies job immediately. After doing some research on the team, I reached out to a few of my contacts that were gracious enough to contact Mick Gillispie on my behalf.”

After graduating from Marquette University last May, Wottreng was the play-by-play broadcaster for the East Texas Pump Jacks in the summer Texas Collegiate League. When the summer league season concluded, Wottreng moved to Miami University in Ohio as a play-by-play broadcaster and video producer.

Wottreng advises his fellow broadcasters not to allow lofty career aspirations distract them from being an outstanding employee at their current job.

“First and foremost, be the best you can be where you are now. Everyone in this industry wants to be the guy on a national level, but you cannot make it to that point unless you put in the effort at your current position. Not only will you enhance your resume and your skills, but also people will recognize the work ethic and talent of an aspiring professional.

“I want to thank [STAA] for all of its assistance since I became a member. The advice and service has been crucial in helping me learn about new postings. STAA has given me helpful insight that I would not have found elsewhere.”